Rishikesh

The holy town of Rishikesh has the eminence of being the
International capital of Yoga and meditation. Located in the
foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the River Ganges,
Rishikesh is dotted with a number of ancient temples, ashrams and
world renowned yoga and meditation centres. Not only devotees, but
travellers from all parts of the world flock to the sacred town for
a deeper understanding of meditation. At the ashrams in Rishikesh,
visitors can attend lectures and courses offered by celebrated yoga
and meditation experts. Apart from Hindu shrines, the town of
Rishikesh also invites adventure lovers from all around. It is also
the ideal gateway for a pilgrim's chardham yatra, that includes
travelling to Yamunotri,
Gangotri,Badrinath and
Kedarnath.

River Rafting
If you are travelling to Rishikesh between the months of September
and November or between March and May, river rafting is a great
option to quench your thirst for adventure. River Ganga offers
excellent stretches and white water rapids in Rishikesh.
Kaudiyala-Rishikesh is a popular rafting route. Whether you are
beginner in the sport of river rafting or are an adrenaline junkie,
river rafting in Rishikesh suits all abilities.

Prime Attractions of Rishikesh

Lakshmanan Jhula
one of the most visited, the Lakshmana Jhula is a suspended bridge,
extending from one bank of the Ganges to the other. The bridge is
mythologically significant because it is where Lakshman crossed the
Ganga through on jute-rope-made bridge. Visitors can enjoy some
impressive views of the Himalayan ranges from upon the bridge.
Today, the Lakshmana Jhula connects two popular ashrams - Shivanand
Ashram and Swarg Ashram.

Ashrams in Rishikesh
Ashrams are a major crowd-puller in Rishikesh. These ashrams offer
regular courses and classes on spiritual disciplines like yoga and
meditation as well as Ayurveda. Accommodation facilities are also
available for tourists and pilgrims arriving at the ashrams. Popular
ashrams in Rishikesh include Gita Ashram (set up in the 1950s),
Swarg Ashram (one of the oldest in the town) and Shivananda Ashram
(which houses the Divine Life Society, founded by Swami Shivanand in
1936).

Bharat Mandir
Established back in the 12th century, the Bharat Temple happens to
be the oldest in Rishikesh. The temple stands in dedication to
Bharat, the younger brother of Rama (hero of the Hindu epic
Ramayana). Though the original temple structure was destroyed in an
invasion by Temur in 1398, the temple still preserves a number of
Hindu relics. The inner sanctum of the Bharat Mandir enshrines the
idol of Lord Vishnu. The temple stands close to the Triveni Ghat in
Rishikesh.

Triveni Ghat
The most popular bathing ghat in Rishikesh, the Triveni Ghat is the
point where River Ganges takes a complete right angle turn. Hindus
also believe that it is here that the three holy rivers Ganga,
Yamuna and Saraswati converge. Every morning, scores of pilgrims and
devotees can be seen here taking a holy dip in the divine waters of
the Ganga. In the evening, the sight at the ghat is simply heart
stirring. Vedic chants, to the accompaniment of drums and bells, can
be heard all around and a spiritual aura surrounds the whole place.
Tiny oil lamps on bedecked leaf boats floating on the Ganges add
much charm to the whole atmosphere.

Ram Jhula
The place (or the bridge) is equally popular with devotees and
tourists. It remains suspended 3 km north of Rishikesh town. It
attracts most visitors due to the fact that it lies just close to
the popular ashrams - Geeta Bhawan and Swarg Ashram. Visitors cannot
afford to miss the enchanting evening prayer (which lasts for 30
minutes) at the Geeta Bhawan's ghat. Food lovers can head straight
to the 50-year-old and the very famous Chotiwala Restaurant, located
in Ram Jhula